Wildfires Force Alberta Residents to Evacuate

Emergency Evacuation

Residents of the Alberta oil city, Fort McMurray, were forced to evacuate overnight on Tuesday due to a blazing wildfire that swept through the city. According to the BBC, over 80,000 people were told to leave their homes as their neighbourhoods became engulfed in flames. The emergency evacuation left residents with little to no notice to pack up and get out of town.

Gridlock

Route 63, the main road north and south, was bumper to bumper heading to evacuation points in the neighbouring cities. Hundreds of vehicles, out of gas or damaged by the smoke, were stopped on the side of the road. Petrol stations in nearby communities were completely emptied and lines snaked around those still open.

Damages
Homes, hospitals and hotels are among the burning buildings and many have been completely destroyed. Places people have lived for the last 10 to 15 years will be gone when then come back.  Carol Christian, a resident who fled yesterday, told the BBC it was an "overwhelming feeling to think you'll never see your house again." 

A record high temperature of 32.6° C for May 4th contributed to the dangerous conditions that led to the massive fire. The evacuation is the biggest that the province of Alberta has ever seen. So far, no casualties have been reported. The fire is expected to intensify on Wednesday.